TRIBUTES have been paid to one of the founder members of Burnley's Women's Refuge, who died last week.

June Henry, 64, was one of a trio who helped set up the charity, and which has gone on to help thousands of women suffering from domestic violence.

Friends and former colleagues said June was a tireless campaigner who would be sorely missed.

A former colleague, who worked at the refuge with June for ten years, said: "June worked really hard to help hundreds of familes deal with their problems. She was compassionate and dedicated and went well beyond the call of duty in the hours she put in.

"She was a wonderful person to work for and always knew what to do to try and help solve people's problems.

"She will be remembered with a lot of affection and gratitude by very many people."

The Burnley Women's Refuge was founded in 1978 by June, Sister Mary Veronica of St Mary's Convent and the Reverand Tom Ellel, the vicar of St John's in Worsthorne.

From its humble beginnings June led the refuge from strength to strength until her retirement on health grounds in 1995.

Michael, her husband of 45 years, of Hutton Drive, Burnley, said: "June was certainly very dedicated and put in a lot of work at the refuge over and above her allotted hours.

"She would often be called out at night or at weekends when somebody needed her help and it was never too much to ask.

"I'm proud that she helped to set up something which is still helping women and children and will hopefull continue to do so in the future."

June also helped set up an acupuncture clinic at Burnley General Hospital and a cub scout group at St Mary's Church.

She died in Airedale Hospital on Saturday, February 7, after a battle against cancer and her requiem mass was held in St Mary Magdalene's Church on Thursday.

June leaves two sons, Mark, 42 and Aidan, 34 and grandchildren Thomas, 17, Richard, 15, Michael, 12, Catherine, 10 and Olivia, six and Matthew, aged two.